Welcome back to NHL best bets to all my hockey heads out there! It's Thursday so you know what that means, another huge slate in the hockey world. 

As the season winds into the home stretch with just about a month to go considering this, remember what teams are still playing for something and the teams that are not! Odds are also going to start to become less favorable to don't be afraid to get into DFS or player props as we head to the end of the season. 

 

 

 

In today's NHL best bets writeup, you will find a trio of wagers that include a game total, puck line and a team total plus a couple of bets to consider betting that just missed the cut. The Dog of the Day also returns today as we were on the 5-day winning streak and now look to get things going again!

Now, let's dive into my expert NHL Best Bets today!

  • Season Record: 119-98-4
  • Bankroll: +13.33 units
  • Dog of the Day Record: 18-15 (+6.75 Units)

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**All bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.

*Editor’s Note: Bet on any of these NHL best bets today at BetMGM Sportsbook and claim a $1,500 welcome bonus when you click here.

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/21

Lightning vs. Sharks Prediction

Back to picking on the bad teams today as I cleaned out the books betting heavy Puck Line favorites on the Tuesday slate! Another huge mismatch even though the Sharks are at home and Tampa Bay is traveling cross country and while that normally benefits the home side it won't tonight. 

The Sharks are completely lost in net right now as Magnus Chrona has now started 8 games with others out injured and he has a GAA that has ballooned up to 4.7 while going 1-7 straight up on record. The SV% is terrible also at .859, poor kid isn't getting good play in front of him either and now gets a Lightning team that has won 7 of their past 10 games. Tampa Bay has the 6th best offense overall this season with 3.49 goals per game but lately they are steamrolling teams with 26 goals scored in the last 5 games. 

That tells me that the Lightning are likely going to score 5+ goals again tonight as the Sharks put up little fight on defense and the Tampa side needs to just keep things under control to win on the Puck Line tonight and I know it's a bit juiced as a road team but that's just how bad the Sharks really are. 

 

 

 

Predators vs. Panthers Prediction

On the surface you might hate this bet as the Predators offense is ripping teams up right now but they aren't playing teams like the Panthers on a consistent basis! Florida is one of the most complete teams in the NHL this season and nothing short of the Stanley Cup would suffice at this point. They allow just 2.1 goals per game over the past 45 days on the road and I am hoping those trends continue as I look at the game total tonight. 

On the Nashville side they are the hottest team in the NHL at this time but like I said the Panthers are in a class of their own. The way for the Predators to win tonight is defense first and I think they know that. Luckily for them they play it well as the Preds have given up just 2 goals per game over the past 45 days on the road. If all holds the game total of 6.5 is just a bit to high up for me tonight so let's fade it and take that under. 

  • Pick: Predators vs. Panthers Under 6.5 Goals (-130 on ESPN BET)

 

 

 

Canadiens vs. Canucks Prediction

Back to the well fading the Canadiens as they stuck it to me on Tuesday against the Oilers and only gave up 3 goals. I am not moving off betting against them though just because of one game as this game has a huge mismatch as well. 

The Canucks are one of the best teams in the NHL this season and they got here but great play at home of course. They have posted an average of 3.49 goals per game this season the 5th highest average in the NHL and tonight against one of the league's most generous defenses they should light it up. The Habs on the road over the past 45 days are giving up 4 goals per game and since they played well the other night its time for some statistical regression to their average on the season. 

There are a few different options to attack given the mismatch but the one I am keyed in on is the Canucks team total tonight that sits at a even 4 goals. There are some books still at 3.5 but the odds aren't great but maybe it makes sense in a parlay for you. For me though give me the even 4 at much better odds and let's see the Canucks run up the score tonight. 

  • Pick: Vancouver Team Total Over 4 Goals (-115 on BetRivers)

 

 

 

Expert NHL Prediction: Dog of the Day

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